 They came to Jerusalem from all over the world, and they all understood the same language. This is one of the wonders of Pentecost, the healing of the curse of Babel. Today we face a different problem. We live in the same land and speak the same language, but too often we fail to communicate. Honest communication is one of the most important elements in healthy relationships and stable societies. Here are a few tips for healthy communication, borrowed from the April newsletter of the Metlife companies:
1. Develop empathy. Focus on understanding the other person’s point rather than planning your response.
2. Make “I” statements about what you feel and need. Instead of making accusations, focus on your own feelings and actions: “When you’re late to meet me, I feel like I don’t matter to you.”
3. Avoid making sweeping general statements. Instead of saying “You’re always late,” say “You were late for dinner yesterday and the day before.”
4. Focus on the positives. Keep your attention on the things you like and admire about someone, and the things that bug you will begin to fade.
5. Don’t nag. When we’re told that we’re wrong our instinct is to defend ourselves by continuing the same behavior. Nagging doesn’t work and usually makes things worse.
6. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Instead of making a shopping list of grievances, choose the most important point and stick to it.
7. Ask for what you need. For example, “Please be on time for dinner or call me if you know you’re going to be late.”
8. Don’t push the other’s buttons. Avoid saying or doing things you know will provoke the person with whom you want to have a healthy relationship.
9. It’s OK to disagree, and you can do it without being disagreeable.
10. Check your motives. Are you motivated by love, concern, anger, revenge? Are you trying to provoke, defend, distract or honestly communicate to build a healthier relationship? Good intentions lead to good communication.
11. Tap into the power of apology. If you know you have been hurtful or wrong, be adult enough to admit it. 2010 GRADUATES We congratulate and continue to pray for the 2010 graduates from our church family whom we honored at last Sunday’s Family and Friends Day: Pre-K
She’marr Gaddy St. Francis Xavier Headstart
Evan MacDonald Our Lady of Victory School
Jalen Green Mother Mary Lange School K
Elijah Clark St. Katharine School Grade 5
Isaiah Clark St. Katharine School
Dominique Edwards Harford Hts Elementary
Eric Harriston Brehms Lane Elementary Grade 8
Brandon Campbell Holy Family School
Katrina Singleton Dumbarton Middle School Grade 12
Demetrius David Hereford High School
Steven Randall Mt St Joseph High School
Mercedes Thomas Catholic High School Community College
Avis Bean Essex Community College University
Larry Harris, Jr. High Point University WHY CATHOLIC? “GRADUATES” We also commissioned all those adults and youth who took part in our Why Catholic? program over the past four years. The full list of leaders and participants is attached to this bulletin. CRAB FEAST Our annual Crab Feast for the benefit of the Lucielle Fitzgerald Outreach Center will be held on Saturday, July 24, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm at Columbus Gardens. Tickets are $50 each or $450 for a table of ten. Tickets are available now in the church office and the outreach center. KINGS DOMINION TRIP The bus is filling up quickly for the June 26 trip to Kings Dominion. If you are still interested, call DeeDee Clark at 443-802-9006 to see if there is space available. 
| CONGRATULATIONS, FR. JORDAN On May 16 Fr. Jordan Hite, TOR celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Today we join in prayer for him, in thanksgiving for God’s call and his acceptance of that call and in gratitude for his service to our parish. May the Lord continue to grant him good health, good humor and a heart of compassion in his priestly ministry. THANKS FAMILY AND FRIENDS To all who came out for last Sunday’s Family and Friends Day and especially for all who put in many hours of preparation and service for the liturgy and the reception: may the Lord continue to shower you with his blessings. The day has become a kind of family reunion for our extended church family, and it is a time a grace for all of us. PRE-FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST Mark your calendars now for a Pre-Father’s Day Celebration on Saturday, June 19, from 9:00am to 12:00n in the lyceum. St. Wenceslaus is joining with The Men and Families Center and A Good Black Man, Inc. in co-sponsoring this event. We will be honoring selected fathers from each of the sponsoring groups. Tickets are $20, available in the church office. Families of three or more will be admitted for $10 each. Watch the bulletin for more information. |
MASS INTENTIONS Sun, May 23 8 am | Josephine Petr | 11:15 | For the Parishioners | Mon, May 24 8 am | Joseph & Louise Herold4 | | Tue, May 25 | | | Wed, May 26 8 am | | Thur, May 27 7: am | Tom Kelly
Gift of Hope Convent | | Fri, May 28 | Marie & Richard Harden | | Sat, May 29 | |
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY Trinity Sunday | 1st Reading | Proverbs 8:22-3 | | 2nd Reading | Romans 5:1-5 | | Gospel | John 16:12-15 |
REQUESTS  Please remember our sick in your prayers, especially Dawn Arnold, Inez Bean, Albert Novak and Fr. Nick Polichnowski, TOR.
SISTERS PROFESSION
The Missionary Sisters of Charity have extended an invitation to attend the Profession of Final Vows of five of their sisters on Monday, May 24 at 2:00 pm at St. James Catholic Church, 3628 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier, MD. Among the sisters to be professed is Sister Nishi, MC, who served here at the Gift of Hope community. Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl will preside and the sisters’ choir will be led by our own Greg Satorie. FROM THE OFFICE OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MINISTRIES
Evangelization Workshop:
Therese Wilson Favors will lead a workshop on evangelization at St. Cecelia Church, on Saturday, June 12, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. The goal of the session is to assist church leaders in becoming confident as evangelizers in our families and communities. This is a repeat of a program offered last year at St. Ann’s Church. National Gathering for Black Catholic Women
This celebration will be held from August 13-15 in Charlotte, NC. Registration is $180 which includes some meals, plus an estimated cost of $100 for bus transportation. Please call the office at 410-625-8472 if interested. |
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